Jonathan L. Neville

Biography

Jon is a partner in the Real Estate practice, co-chair of the Retail Real Estate team, and co-chair of the Retail industry team. Jon is a nationally recognized expert in retail real estate, as he is frequently quoted in publications, authors influential thought leadership articles and speaks at prominent conferences (including serving on the planning committee of ICSC’s annual legal conference). Jon’s practice encompasses all aspects of retail, including acquisition, development, redevelopment, leasing, financing, restructuring and selling shopping centers, malls, mixed use projects, restaurants and other retail developments. Jon has extensive experience in representing both operating companies as well as developers of all sizes, often serving as an outside general counsel to his clients where clients seek Jon’s business and strategic guidance as well as legal expertise.

Jon’s developer/ownership clients range from the largest retail owner in the United States to many small family businesses and partnerships; Jon’s tenant/operating company clients include the fastest growing restaurant in the nation and the fastest growing franchise in the nation to one-unit franchisees working to start a business from scratch. Having completed transactions in all fifty states and also in Canada, Jon is familiar with nearly all markets in the United States and has developed an expansive national network of brokers, developers, operators, contractors, financiers and other industry professionals upon whom Jon and his clients regularly call for guidance and transaction assistance.

Jon initially began his practice representing up-and-coming franchisees in fast growing brands, and his passion for the franchising industry continues in his real estate practice today. Recognizing that real estate is vital to the long-term success of most franchised brands, Jon regularly assists franchisors and franchisees in negotiating leases and purchase agreements, coordinating and overseeing acquisitions and transitions of markets encompassing multiple units, and in ensuring brand compliance for all lease and related real estate transactions. This experience carries over to Jon’s developer representation as well, as Jon is uniquely qualified to understand the needs and requirements of a franchised brand while avoiding pitfalls which may arise due to a lack of common understanding between franchisors and developers.

As mentioned above, Jon speaks at multiple conferences across the United States and on nationally syndicated media productions. Over the course of his career, he has been appointed to leadership roles for multiple professional and trade organizations across the retail industry. In addition to currently serving on the prestigious ICSC Law Conference Planning Committee, Jon has served on the National Advisory Board of the ICSC Next Generation program, as Southern Division Chairperson for all Next Generation programming committees from Texas to North Carolina, and has twice served as President of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Real Estate Section.

Represents the fastest growing franchisor in the United States for all real estate needs.

Represents multiple regional/national developers in handling acquisition and disposition matters, many of such developments being “value add” transactions where clients have acquired, leased, enhanced, and disposed of assets over a short time frame.

Assists largest franchisee of a major QSR restaurant brand in purchasing operating store units from other franchisees in order to increase market share, including coordinating with landlords and the franchisor to accomplish such goals.

Assists multiple franchisors in acquiring operating store units from franchisees to further brand development and financial objectives.

Represents New York-based family investment company in expanding retail and office portfolio in the Atlanta, Georgia marketing and environs.

Represents family business in acquisition, development, and disposition of triple-net investments throughout the Southeastern and Mid-South regions of the United States.

Drafted the initial model conservation easement used by selected governmental organizations within the State of Georgia and has negotiated/implemented conservation easements in 11 states for major private landowners.

Served as lead developer counsel for a development in Salina, Kansas, which included the first-ever Tax Increment Financing project completed within the City of Salina.

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